Audio By Carbonatix
Franck Ribery has stated his belief that Bayern Munich are a better side than Real Madrid and Barcelona.
The 29-year-old winger has developed into a key player at the Allianz Arena since joining the Bundesliga outfit from Olympique de Marseille in 2007 in a €25 million deal.
His performances for Bayern caught the eye of Madrid in the summer of 2009, but the German club rejected all offers for the Frenchman.
Ribery has now declared that he does not regret that a transfer to Spain did not come to fruition, telling Sport Bild: "There was a time when I would have been drawn towards Barcelona and Real Madrid.
"But that is over. Bayern are at the same level as Barca and Real Madrid, and I think that if you look at the complete package, then Bayern are even better."
Jupp Heynckes's side enter the new season looking to claim the Bundesliga title which they lost to Borussia Dortmund in the last two campaigns, and Ribery acknowledged his side's status as favourites.
"We are the team with the biggest potential in Germany," he explained. "Therefore, it should be clear to all that winning the Bundesliga is a must this season.
"Dortmund certainly have a good team and have developed into a rival that should be taken seriously. But I believe we have a better squad."
The France international then repeated that he plans to retire at Bayern as he enters his sixth season at the German outfit.
"In my mind, that is clear," Ribery continued. "You should listen to what my wife said in France about the city of Munich and this club. She is excited.
"I see myself retiring at Bayern. I am convinced that I could not be happier anywhere else."
Ribery was also asked about his dressing room bust-up with team-mate Arjen Robben in April, which ended with the Dutchman getting a bruise on his face after the duo came to blows.
"That was wrong," he noted. "We express ourselves and draw the right conclusion.
"It does not matter who takes the free kick or who gets the assist. At the end of the game, we want the three points.
"This is not FC Robben or FC Ribery. This is FC Bayern. We have to put all of our egos together to be successful as a team.
"A little aggression is often crucial. It makes the difference on the pitch. Opponents must feel that you are ready to do everything to be successful. I know it is up to players like me to take more responsibility."
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
The net economic effect of recent policy changes in Ghana (2024–2026)
52 minutes -
NPP Election Committee confers with Akufo-Addo as road to presidential primaries intensifies
2 hours -
Parkinson’s targeted for ‘Mahama Cares’ integration – Deputy Minister of Health
2 hours -
Dr Apaak meets stakeholders to resolve UG fee hike dispute
3 hours -
Ofori-Atta has applied to become a US permanent resident through his son – Martin Kpebu claims
3 hours -
Trump says US needs to ‘own’ Greenland to prevent Russia and China from taking it
3 hours -
Trump seeks $100bn for Venezuela oil, but Exxon boss says country ‘uninvestable’
4 hours -
Trump warns of more Nigeria strikes if Christians ‘continue to be killed’
5 hours -
AFCON 2025: Who are the top scorers?
5 hours -
AFCON 2025: Morocco roar past Cameroon to reach semis; Ndiaye strike sends Senegal into last four
6 hours -
Dumelo targets total road coverage for Ayawaso West Wuogon by 2028
6 hours -
Lambussie MP honours health workers, donates medical equipment
6 hours -
Franklin Cudjoe requests Parkinson’s inclusion in ‘Mahama Cares’ and NHIS amid shortage of specialists
7 hours -
NADMO launches nationwide market safety overhaul following Kasoa inferno
7 hours -
Ambassador Victor Smith holds talks with Chinese Ambassador on deepening bilateral cooperation
8 hours
